Electric switch.



J. SACHS.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 12. 1914.

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ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.12. 19:4.

Patented Jan.30,1917.

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J. SACHS.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. :2. 1914.

1,214,077. Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

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STATES PATENT ()FFIQE.

J'GSEPI-I SACHS. OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application filed November 12, 1914.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH SACHS, a citizen of the United States, 'esiding at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to electric switches.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification I have illustrated in detail one of the many different forms of embodiment of the invention. I do not restrict myself to this disclosure; I may depart therefrom in radical and many respects within the scope of the invention defined by the claims following the description of the construction shown in said drawings.

Referring to said drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan view of an electric switch invol ing my invention, a part of the cover being broken away to show the interior of the box, the switching elements therein being shown in circuit closing positions. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of said switch, the cover being shown closed in full lines and partially open in dotted lines, the handle being shown as on in dotted lines and off in full lines, the inner portion of the handle being broken away. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the switch with parts in longitudinal section. Fig. is a side elevation of the same, partly in section. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the base block and parts associated therewith, removed from the box, a switching element being shown in the position it occupies either on its insertion or remova. Figs. 6 and 7 are inside face views of the sections of a switching element. Fig. 8 is a similar view of a fuse strip and its en- Figs. 9 and 10 are sectional views of the contact portions of said switching element sections; Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of the supporting or operating spindle. 12 is a view of the central or spindle connected sleeve. Figs. 13 and 14 are similar views of the end sleeves. Fig. 15 is an end elevation of the sleeves shown in Figs. 13 and 14s which are of duplicate construction. Fig. 16 is an end elevation of a slotted flange. Fig. 1? is an end elevation of the supporting spindle selecting Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

Serial No. 871,641.

bolts and cooperating devices. Fig. 18 shows one of said selecting bolts.

Like characters refer to like parts throughout the several figures.

An electric switch involving my invention comprises one or more circuit controlling switch elements, and when there are a plurality of said switch elements, I provide means whereby one or more may be operated separately or independently of the other or others or that all of said elements, of whatever character they may be, may be operated collectively or simultaneously. Automatically active circuit protective devices, such as fuses, may be incorporated in the switch, and when the same is so organized said switching, elements may carry said protective devices or the entire switching element itself may constitute a protective fuse and casing. lVhen the fusible protective devices are present, the switch may be considered as a selective fuse switch for the reason that each of the fused switch elements may be operated independently or collectively by means of a suitable actuator; such for example, as an operating handle and selecting mechanism associated therewith.

lVhile the switch may be used advantageously in unincased form, it is desirable to employ and in my preferred construction I do employ, an inclosing box or casing wherein the switching parts including the base block with its circuit connections and switch contact clips, movable switching element or elements, etc., are entirely incased and thus protected, the actuator for said switching element or elements, being preferably but not essentially on the exterior of the box, means being provided by which the actuator whether in the form of a handle or otherwise can properly operate the inclosed switching element or elements. The construction is such, however, that said actuator or handle can be operated independently of the box or casing or any of its parts. Such a fuse switch box serves 'many useful purposes in electric installafuses serve as switch links, which, by means of devices operated from the exterior of the box may be clamped or otherwise connected to the cover. This arrangement necessitates manipulation of the cover for switching purposes and the opening of the circuit is a resultant of the opening of the box and the exposing of its interior with consequent objectionable features. In other types of fuse switch boxes a multiple or compound cover is provided consisting of a number of units to each of which a fuse element is attached, and these units may be operated independently or collectively. Another type of fuse switch box is provided with a switch operating member projecting through the cover and secured inside of the box to a carrier on which the fuses are mounted. In this construction the circuit may be either closed or opened from the exterior of the box by the movement of the operating device, but the latter and the switch elements within the box and the cover are combined and are not susceptible of independent operation, the switch operating only as a whole and not having selective control of any particular pole or wire in the circuit.

In my construction, as to one embodiment thereof, there is provided a completely incased or inclosed fuse switch which may be operated to perform the necessary functions of opening and closing the circuit as a whole from the exterior of the box by means of an actuator operative entirely independently of the box and which as a preference though not always essential is in no wise attached to or connected with the cover of the box. By means of my actuator or operating handle and the selecting means associated therewith and cooperative with the switching element or elements any one or more of the latter may be moved into or out of connection with the stationary contacts. This selective device provides simple, safe and sure means for the rapid and effective removal of any one or more of the several fuses which may have been blown or which it may be desired to remove or change, while the other or others may remain in their normal relation. The construction is such that the movement of the cover, where a cover is present toward opening position is limited when the actuator or switch operating handle is in one position, while in another position the cover may be opened. When the actuator or handle limits the movement of the cover I consider this as the on position of said handle, whereas when the actuator or handle is in cover releasing position, it is off. This arrangement consequently necessitates that whenever it is desired to open the box for any purpose, it is first essential that the operating handle be moved to releasing or off position but, as will be inferred, it is not necessary that it should be connected with a switching element or elements within the box owing to the fact that the actuator can if desired be moved independently of the switching elements or elements.

A particular advantage of this organiza tion is that any switching operation must be performed with the box closed and cannot be effected in fact in any other manner, this handle when on being adapted to prevent access to the interior of the box whether the box has a cover or not. It follows that in view of this fact there is no danger of any objectionable circuit rupturing manifestation as there might be when the cover or some equivalent part of the box acted to shift a switching element or elements. The opening of the box is the natural way of inspecting the condition of the fuses of the switching elements, and if any of these required removal, the box would be first closed, the actuator or operating handle brought to the on or locking position and then connected by means of selective or other suitable mechanism to that particular switching element, which would then be moved by the operating handle into the off or circuit opening position at which point the box will be unlocked by the actuator or handle and can then be opened to permit said switching element to be removed, renewed and replaced with perfect safety. The box would then be closed and the operating handle moved with its connected switching element or elements to the on or circuit closing position.

Aside from the protective inc-using of the parts by the box the switch proper, that is outside of the box, including the base block, circuit connections, switch contacts, and movable switching elements is constructed so that whether the circuit is opened or closed all live parts are substantially protected and covered to eliminate danger of personal contact in operation or the removal of any of the parts. The insulating base block, circuit connections and switch elements are of such design that when assembled the contacts are mounted in recesses and protected by projections on the block. The fuse switching elements have their contacting terminals so disposed that when in the circuit these are entirely covered and protected within the recesses of the base block and are only exposed when the switching elements are in the circuit opening position and the contacts dead. The insertion or removal of the switching elements can, therefore, be accomplished without danger. This complete incasing of the live contact parts within the base block provides a particularly advantageous feature especially where the switch is to be employed without a box or casing.

The complete fuse switch box is shown fullv assembled in Figs. 1 to 4: inclusive. In these views and in Fig. also the base block is designated by 2-, being made of some suitable insulating material of which porcelain is one example. Said base block as shown is arranged for three-wire or three-pole service, and it is, therefore, provided with suitable contacts as will hereinafter ap sear, so that each of the tnree wires or pole-s oi the circuit may be opened or closed as desired. in said base block are three depressions or cavities as 3, 4c and 5 adapted to receive switching elements as will also hereinafter appear. As will be seen on rett'erence to at and 5 the bottoms of said depressions, ca" 'es or chambers are curved or circular an leading into the several depressions or cavities at approximately diametrically opposite points are openings as (3 and T in said base block. In the bottom of said base block and in line with the respective cavities and openings 7' are the contact receiving slots 8 and 9 into each of which is secured by screws or otherwise a circuit connecting clip contact piece 10, there being as will be understood two of such members 10 in conjunction with each cavity or chamber 1-). l. and Each of said parts 10, as shown in Fig. 3 is formed up of a single piece of metal, one end thereof being bent to form a circular strap piece 11 to be clamped around a circuit wire lug 12, by means of a screw 13 by running in which the two ends of the strap portion or divided band 11 can be drawn together to cause said strap portion to firmly and solidly engage said lug 12. The other end of this connecting and contact part 10 is bent downwardly and then upwardly as at 14 to form a spring clip or contactor portion, the two contactor portions ll being opposite each other and being cooperative with contacts on the intermediate switching element. Any desirable means may be provided for holding the members 10 in position, the screws 15 being shown for this purpose, the screws extending through holes in the base block 2 leading from cavities 16 in the top thereof and their threaded portions being tapped into the circular strap or divided ring portions 11. After the members 10 are secured the cavities 16 may be tilled with plastic material if desired. In Fig. 4: which is a transverse section through the switch, I have illustrated merely the ingoing and outgoing connections of one pole, but it will be obvious that the other poles or the block are similarly arranged. For a purpose that will hereinafter appear the partition walls 1'? and 18 of the insulating base block 2 have downwardly directed slots 19 and 20 open at their upper ends, the outside walls 21 ant. 22 having upwardly projecting inner closed ends of the downwardly directed slots overlapping the upper closed ends of the upwardly projecting slots to thus form an aperture directly through the block from side wall 21 to side wall The complete oase block with its contactand connecting parts is mounted as shown in an inclosing box or casing preterably oi me al; said box or casing may in be mat e of bent up sheet metal such as fhere may, however, be cases no box is required. The box illustrated consists of two main parts. a body as and a. cover as 245, the body being provided with suit-aole means as perforated lugs for securing the box in place to a wall or to the body 25, the hinge being situated at one end of the cover, means of a suitable nature being prodded at the other end of the cover for normally holding the latter closed. lor this latter purpose the screw 29 may be provided, said screw being swiveled rotativcly held in the cover and being threaded into an extension as 30 of the box body 25. ()rer the head of the screw 2) may be placed a sealing cap if desired, which may be held in position in any convenient manner. In 1 to s inclusive the cover shown as occupying its closed position in ill. lines, whereas in Fig. 2- the cover opening movement of said cover being prevented by an actuator such as an operating handle. as will hereinafter appear. This ctuator or handle, therefore, has two position, one in which it prevents access to the or of the box, and the other by which entrance can be gained to the box.

To provide entrance and egress of the circuit wires, two opposite walls or ends of the box body have apertures to receive bushings 81, each bushing as will be inferred being opposite a lug l2. Said apertures are threaded for a purpose that will hereinatter appear. Each bushing generally made of insulating material such as porcelain has an external groove close to the head thereof. As a matter ot fact in the construction shown the inner surface of each bushing head constitutes a wall of the groove 32 in said bushing as shown best in Fig. 4%. Snapped into each groove is an externally threaded split collar After a bushing has been provided with said collar, the bushing with the collar thereon can be passed through the hole in the body 25 from the inside of said body, and the threads of the split ring 35 can ongage those of the aperture or hole, the bushing with the spring collar being screwed into the hole or aperture until he head of the bushing is brought against the iner surface of: the box body 25 when the liuisliing is firmly held or ice zed. This is an exceedingly simple arrangen'ient, inexpen ive to make and susceptible of ready assemblage. The side walls of the box body 25 are shown as 4 other support. The cover 26 is hinged as at shown partially opened by dotted lines, 'lull CAD having bushings 36 of metal or other suitable material to receive for rocking or oscillatory motion the spindle 37 which extends through the several slots 23, 19, 20 and 24 of the insulating block 2 which as shown is secured to the back or bottom of the body portion 25 of the box by screws 38 or otherwise. The spindle 37 is shown in detail in Fig. 11, and it extends entirely through the block 2, being supported by the bushings 36 and extending outwardly from said bushings, an actuator will hereinafter appear, being pivotally connected with the projecting or extending ends of the spindle, which constitute: a convenient support for switching elements, hereinafter more particularly described. Said spindle 37 has slots 39 and 40 in its ends, the purpose of which will be hereinafter explained. Mounted on the spindle 37 practically centra lly thereof is the sleeve or collar 41 shown as externally polygonal; for instance by squaring said sleeve exteriorly thereof, the sleeve being held in place to the spindle by-a screw as or otherwise. Loosely and rotatively mounted on the spindle 37 at opposite sides of the sleeve 41 are longer sleeves or collars 43 and 44 having between their ends polygonal or squared portions 4-5 and 46. The spindle and sleeves thereon are shown in detail in Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, the parts in question being shown in assembled relation in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 for instance. The spindle 37 it will be clear is susceptible of movement independently of the outside sleeves 43 and 44, said last mentioned sleeves being adapted to be connected to or disconnected from said spindle or shaft 37. The end portions of the two outer sleeves 43 and 44 are shown as cylindrical, the outer end portions having a rocking bearing against the upper closed ends of the slots 23 and 24, the inner cylindrical ends of said outer slee es having a rocking bearing against the lower closed ends of the slots 19 and 20 as shown best in Fig. 3. The outer ends of the two sleeves 43 and 44 are in the planes of the outer ends of the spindle 37 as shown best in Fig. 3, said ends fitting the bushings 36 to which have already alluded. Said outer ends of said sleeves 43 and 44 receive the slotted flanges 47 which snugly embrace the respective sleeves, said flanges 47 having interiorly thereof inwardly extending projections 48 which enter slots 49 in the outer ends of said sleeves 43 and 44. The flanges, however, are not connected with the sleeves until after said sleeves are positioned in the cavities and after the spindle has been passed through said sleeves and the box body 25 and block 2 from side to side.

The following procedure may be adopted in .iounting the spindle 37 and sleeves: After the base block 2 has been fastened in the box body 5, the central sleeve 41 and the two end sleeves 43 and 44 are positioned so that the spindle 37 can be passed through the three registering sleeves from side wall to side wall of the box, the two end sleeves being mounted as already described and the central sleeve being positioned in the central cavity or chamber 4. When this is accomplished the slotted flanges 47 are applied. When the parts are in this condition it will be clear that the central spindle 37 and sleeves connected therewith are mounted for turning movement, it being understood that the intern'iediate sleeve 41 turns with the spindle. The two end sleeves or tubes 43 and 44, however, can be oscillated independently of the spindle 37 and sleeve 41.

The actuator for the switching element or elements in the box as already stated may be of anyconvenient nature, although that shown consists of a handle 50, said handle having an operating portion 51 provided at its ends with the side branches 52 and 53, being, therefore, practically of yoke form. The side arms or branches 52 and 53 of the actuator or handle have at their inner ends recesses as 54 to pivotally receive the llanged projecting portions of the outer sleeves and 44 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The said arms 52 and 53 have longitudinally extending channels or grooves and 56 opening at their ends into the recesses 54, to slidingly receive selecting bolts or keys 57 and 58 which are of duplicate construction, and one of which is shown in detail in Fig. 8. Each of these keys, bolts or pins 57 has at its outer end an operating head 59 and a silient catch or setting portion 60, the free end of the latter being cooperative with notches 61, 62 and 63 in the edge of its arm as shown in Fig. 2. Referring now to said view it will be seen that the selecting bolt 58 has been moved all the way in, so that it engages the flange 47 of the sleeve 1:6, said sleeve and the spindle 37, the free end of the catch portion at this time being in em gagement with the innermost or third notch 61. If said bolt 58 be shifted outwardly, so that it is disengaged from both the spindle 37 and the sleeve 44, the free or setting end of the spring 60 will be positioned in the outermost or first notch 63. In the first of the two positions it will be clear that if the actuator or handle 50 be rocked the sleeve 46 and spindle 37 will rock or move therewith, whereas when the bolt or key 58 is in the second position the actuator or handle will move independently of both the sleeve 44 and spindle 37. If the bolt be moved so that its catch portion will engage the intermediate notch 62, then the sleeve 44 is connected with the actuator 50 so as to rock therewith. With said bolt, however, in the second position so as to connect the sleeve therewith, the two parts will oscillate independently of the central or supporting spindle 37. The same action may be followed with regard to the other bolt 57. Mounted in the cavities or chambers 3, 4 and 5 are the switching elements 65, 66 and 67 the switching element fitting the squared portion 46 of the sleeve 14:, the switching element 66 fitting the squared sleeve 41 and the switching element 6? fitting the squared portion 45 of the sleeve at, so that when either of said sleeves is turned, the switching element associated therewith will partake of the movement thereof. It should be noted that the actuator 56 and switching elements are coaxial and that the bottoms of the cavities or chambers 3, a and 5 are practically concentric with the axes of motion of said three swftching elements.

Referring now more )articularly to Figs. 6 and 7 wherein I show one of the switching elements, it will be seen that said switching element consists of practically duplicate sections 68 and 69 of some insulating material, such for instance as porcelain, the sections or halves 68 and 69 of the respective elements being secured suitably face to face. The sections or halves are provided with suitable contacts. As shown the section 68 has contacting portions 70 and 71, the mating section 69 having practically similar contact portions 72 and '73, the con tact portions 70 and 72 mating to present a contact, the same observation applying to the contact portions 7 1 and 73. In Figs. 9 and 10 I show cooperating contact portions 70 and 72 which are secured in place by eyelets as 74: extending through the webs of the contact portions 70 and 72, the outer parts of said contact portions being countersunk into the peripheries of the sections or halves 68 and 69. It is therefore, evident that each of the switching elements presents two peripheral contacts and that these contacts cotiperate with the contacts 14: already described. The sections or halves of the switching elements may as shown he held together by screws 75, one of each pair of eyelets 74: being plain to receive the screws and the other threaded to receive the threads of the screws. The screw 75 between its head and threaded portion is plain to receive the beaded portion 76 of the receiving eyelet to thus prevent the screw from being accidentally displaced or slipping out when the sections of the switching element are separated. Each of the three switching elements 65, 66 and 67 is movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions. In Fig. t one of said switching elements is assumed in full lines to be in circuit closing position, the peripheral contacts thereof being against the diametrically opposite spring contacts 14. Should the said switching element be rocked in the direction of the arrow to carry the peripheral contacts thereasbestos or some other suitable non-fusible material, the ends of the fuse link being perforated as at 80 to receive the screws 5 by which said link is electrically connected with the diametrically opposite peripheral contacts of said switching element.

Each of the switching elements has a curved slot 81, the outer end of which opens into the periphery thereof, while the inner end which crosses the center of said switching element is squared to receive the squared portions l5 or 16 01' the squared sleeve 4.1 as the case may be. The said switching ele ments also have peripheral notches 82 for the purpose of setting the same on the base block 2 to facilitate the removal or insertion of said switching element. I may mount a switching element in the base block as follows: Said switching element will be located in such manner that a part of the base block will enter the circumferential notch or aperture 82, the switching element pressing backwardly on the adjacent spring contact 14% as shown in Fig. 2 until such point as the mouth of the slot 81 is opposite its coiiperating sleeve. In Fig. 2 the switching element shown is that numbered 66 and the sleeve is the squared sleeve 41. The switching element 66 will then be moved downward upon a slight arc until the sleeve 41 is received within the slot 81, following which the motion will be continued until the sleeve 41 has bottomed against the squared end of said slot. The other switching elements are mounted in exactly similar fashion.

In its completely-assembled form as hereinbefore described and as shown in the drawings, my fuse-service switch-box is available for a great variety of purposes. It may be used where the electric service wires enter a building, on motor or lighting circuits indoors or outdoors, in which latter event the casing protects the interior mechanism and electrical parts and the wires entering and leaving the box may be taped. to the bushing or otherwise sealed, and a gasket may also be provided for the cover. When installed the box will be placed as is usual in mounting switch devices, so that the operating handle moves downwardly when the switch is operated to open the circuit.

The line wires will enter the box, therefore, at the lower end and the wires to the load or devices to'be served with current will leave the box from the upper end. After being thus installed and the wires properly connected the cover will be sealed, and if it is necessary to operate the device as a switch to connect or disconnect the wires entering and leaving, it is simply necessary to move the handle downward to open the circuit or to push it back to the closed position to close the circuit. If for any cause a fuse has blown or if it is desired to inspect the interior of the box, the proper person would first release the operating handle from all connection with the central spindle or sleeves by pulling upwardly each selecting bolt to the extreme outer position. The handle would then be entirely freed from all connection and would be swung to the downward or off position; the seal of the box would then be removed, the sealing screw unscrewed and the cover swung open. Inspection would then indicate whether any of the fuses were blown or not and if so which. Then having found the particular fuse requiring attention the cover would again be closed, the handle moved upward to the on position. One'or both of the selecting bolts would then be set to the proper notch to interlock with the sleeve or spindle of the fuse switch element requiring attention and after which the operating handle would be moved downwardly to the off position and the cover opened again. The fused switching element would then be completely removed as already indicated, the two halves separated and a new fuse strip put in place of the blown one, after which the switching element would be returned to its position, the cover closed and the operating handle again raised to the on position carrying with it the fuse switching element and bringing it into closed or circuit connecting position. Both selecting bolts would then be pushed down through their full in or full connecting position and the cover would again be sealed after which the switch is again ready to be operated by moving the operating handle up or down. t will be understood that while in the drawings I have shown my improved selective fuse switch incased in a box or housing that this box or housing may be omitted. In this form the base block, switching elements and operating handle with its selecting bolts would be complete as a selective fuse switch and would perform all the functions of such a device as hereinbefore described and in the same manner.

I have shown in the drawings and described in the specification a form of my invention in which the fuse switching ele ments are given a rotative or oscillatory movement. It will be understood that without departing from my invention and re taining all of the features of selective switch and ease of removal of any of the switching element I may use any other mechanical motion for the switching elements and the operating handle; that is instead moving the switching element and the operating handle in an arc, I ma move it in a straight line by pushing in or pulling out. It will also be obvious that tie particular form of box or casing may be varied to suit conditions and services and that the device may also be constructed with any number of poles or to control any number of separate wires of a circuit.

It will also be evident that I may without departing from the invention use other forms of selecting members than the bolts described and shown.

From the above it will be seen that my invention involves broadly a switch in which any of the switching elements may be solectively operated through parts associated with the operating handle, the construction being such that when inclosed the operation of the switch and the selection of any of the switching elements is so performed as to in no way interfere with the box or casing and in such a manner that the action of the cover and operating handle are independent and none of the switch operating parts are associated with or carried by the cover, but in which the switch may be operated ontirely independent of the cover when in the closed position.

In addition to the initial observations, I might note that where a switch involving my invention, is used for three-wire service and is equipped with three separate switching elements as shown, the central switching element controlling the neutral, while the two outside elements control the outside wires of the three-wire circuit, an important advanta go is obtained by the peculiar operation of the selecting mechanism illustrated and described. In a three-wire switch it is important that the neutral wire or pole never be opened if the two outside wires remain closed, because under such condition, with an unbalanced three wire circuit, damage may be caused to the translating devices on the circuit. The selecting mechanism, however, is of such construction that it is never possible to operate the neutral switching element to open the circuit without also operating one or the other of the outside switching elements controlling the outer wires of the three wire circuit. This may as pointed out, be accomplished by causing the selecting bolt, key or pin to always first connect one of the outside switching elements to the actuating handle before the latter can be operated to move the neutral switching element. It will be noted from the drawings and description that this bolt or pin first passes iii into the sleeve and flange of one of the outside switching elements before it enters the slot at the end of the central spindle.

Other means for accomplishing the above stated result will be obvious, the important feature of this part of my invention residing in the fact that in a three wire selective switch device means be provided whereby the neutral switching element can never be operated alone but must always be operated either with all or one of the other of the switching elements.

As will be clear I provide externally of a box having a cover, a circuit opening and closing actuator. In the box is fusible circuit controlling means. Associated with this actuator is means which is adapted when the actuator is moved to circuit opening relation to render the fusible circuit controlling means electrically inactive and which is further adapted when said actuator is moved to circuit closing relation to render said fusible circuit controlling means electrically active, both the cover and the actuator being movable independently of each other, the actuator, however, when in the circuit closing position preventing opening of the cover and the cover when open preventing movement of the actuator to circuit closing position, and I have hereinbefore described an organization which is satisfactory for carrying my aims into effect.

What I claim is:

1. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in said box, movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator for said switching element, and means for at will connecting the switching element and the actuator and for disconnecting the same and while said actuator is in operative relation, the actuator having positions corresponding with those of the switching element and being positioned to prevent access to the interior of the box when in one of its said positions.

2. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in said box, movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, the box having a cover by opening which access to the interior thereof may be had, an actuator for the switching element movable to positions corresponding with those of the switching element, and means for at will connecting or disconnecting the actuator and the switching element to permit their movement together or the actuator i11- dependently of the switching element, the actuator when in one of its positions preventing the cover being opened.

3. The combination of a box having a cover, a switching element in the box, an actuator for the switching element, and means carried by the actuator for connecting said switching element to or disconnecting it from said actuator while said actuator is in assembled or operative relation with the box, said actuator when in one of its positions preventing opening of the cover.

4t. An electric switch comprising a box, a plurality of switching elements in the box, an actuator for the switching elements, mov

I able independently of the box, and means for connecting one or more of said switching elements with said actuator or disconnecting one or more of them therefrom, said actuator being adapted when one or more of said switching elements are connected therewith to more the same between circuit opening to circuit closing positions and being adapted when said switching element or elements connected there ith are in circuit closing positions, to prevent access to the interior of the box.

5. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator for said switching element having positions corresponding with those of the switching element, means carried by the actuator and accessible exteriorly of the box for at will connecting and disconnecting the actuator and the switching element and while the actuator is in operative relation, the actuator when in one of its positions preventing access to the interior of the box.

6. An electric switch comprising a. box having a swinging cover, a switching element in the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator movable independently of the cover, and having positions corresponding with those of the switching element, means for at will connecting the switching element to or disconnecting it from said actuator, said actuator when in one of its positions being in the path of movement of the cover to prevent opening thereof and being movable toward the other position to free said cover.

7. An electric switch comprising a. box having a movable cover, a switching element in the box. movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator movable independently of the cover, and to positions corresponding with those of the switching element, means for at will connecting or disconnecting the actuator and the switching element and while said actuator is in operative relation, said actuator having a part disposed in the path of opening movement of the cover when saidactuator is in one of its positions.

8. An electric switch comprising a box having a cover by opening which access can be had to the interior of the box, a switching element in the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator movable independently of the cover and accessible exteriorly of the box, said actuator being movable to positions corresponding with those of the switching element, means for at will connecting and disconnecting the actuator and the switch element without dismounting the actuator to permit the movement of the actuator and the switching element together or the movement of the actuator independently of the switching element, the actuator when in one oi its positions preventing movement oi the cover suflicient to obtain access to the switching element.

9. An electric switch comprising a box, a plurality of switching elements in. the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, and means involving a single actuator common to the several switching elements, for moving one only of the switching elements from circuit closing to circuit opening positions independently of the box and independently of another switching element.

10. An electric switch comprising a box having a cover, a plurality of switching ele ments in the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, and means involving a single actuator common to the several switching elements and operative independently of the box, for moving one only or a plurality of said switching elements from circuit closing to circuit opening positions and while the cover is closed.

11. A switch comprising contacts, a movable switching element cooper ative with the contacts, a box inclosing the contacts and switching element, actuating means accessible exteriorly of the box for said switching element, and selecting mechanism also accessible exteriorly of the box for connecting the switching element to or disconnecting it from said actuating means, said mechanism having means for locating its position.

12. A switch comprising contacts, a movable switching elementcooperative with said contacts, a box inclosing the contacts and movable switching element, actuating means accessible exteriorly of the box for the switching element, and selecting mechanism also accessible exteriorly of the box for connecting the switching element to and disconnecting it from said actuating means, said selecting mechanism having a part to indicate the position thereof.

13. A switch comprising contacts, a switching element movable with respect to and cooperative with said contacts, a box inclosing said contacts and switching element, actuating means accessible exteiorly of the box for said switching element, and selecting mechanism also accessible exteriorly of the box for connecting the switching element to or disconnecting it from said actuating means, said selecting mechanism comprising two engaging elements which serve to inclicate the position of the selecting means.

14. An electric switch comprising contacts arranged in sets, switching elements cooper tive with and movable with relation to the respective sets of contacts, a single actuator common to the several switching elements, and selecting mechanism for connecting any one or more of the movable switching elements or disconnecting the same from said actuating means, having means to indicate the position of the selecting mechanism.

15. An electric switch comprising a box having a swinging cover, switching elements in the box movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, an actuator accessible exteriorly of the box and having positions corresponding with those of the switching elements, means for at will connecting or disconnecting one or more of the switching elements with the actuator while the actuator is in operative relation, the actuator when in one of its positions preventing opening of the cover sufliciently to obtain access to the interior of the box.

16. An electric switch comprising a plurality of coaxially movable switching elements, an actuator for the switching elements, movable independently thereof, about the same axis, and means carried by the actuator for connecting any one or more or disconnecting any one or more of said switching elements to or from the actuator.

17. A switch comprising a plurality of switching elements, movable about the same axis, a single actuator common to the several switching elements and movable independently of the switching elements, means carried by the actuator for connecting one or more switching elements to or disconnecting one or more switching elements from said actuator.

18. An electric switch comprising a box. a plurality of switching elements in the box. a single actuator common to the several switching elements and supported by the box, for movement independently thereof and also for movementindependently of the switching elements, and means movable with the actuator, for connecting one or more oi the switching elements with the actuator and for disconnecting one or more of the switching elements from said actuator.

19. A switch comprising switching ele ments, a spindle, sleeves loose on the spindle and having operative connections with the respective switching elements,- an actuator, and means carried by the actuator for connecting either or both sleeves to or disconnecting the same from the spindle.

20. A switch comprising a plurality of coaxial switching elements, a spindle extending through the switching elements, an actuator pivotally supported by said spindle, and means for connecting one or more of the switching elements to or disconnecting the same from said spindle and for effecting a like action with respect to the spindle and the actuator.

21. The combination of a plurality of switching elements, a spindle extending through the switching elements and supporting the same, a single actuator common to the several switching elements and pivotally connected with the spindle, and means whereby one or more of the switching elements can be connected to or disconnected from said actuator.

22. An electric switch comprising a plurality of switching elements, a spindle extending through the switching elements, the latter and the spindle being capable of independent movement, an actuator pivotally connected with the spindle, and means involving separate manually operable devices supported by the actuator whereby any one or more of said switching elements can be connected "to or disconnected from the actuator.

23. An electric switch comprising a plurality of switching elements, a spindle extending through the switching elements, the spindle having a rigid sleeve between its ends, having an actuating connection with the intermediate switching element, sleeves loose on the spindle, having actuating connections with the outside switching elements, an actuator, and means carried by the actuator whereby either of the last mentioned sleeves can be moved independently of each other or both with the spindle.

24. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, a spindle extending through the switching element, the two being capable of independent movement, a sleeve loose on the spindle, having an actuating connection with said switching element, an actuator movable independently of the spindle and the sleeve, and means for connecting the sleeve and the spindle with the actuator.

25. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, a spindle extending through the switching element, the two being capable of independent movement, a sleeve loose on the spindle, havlng an actuating connection with said switching element, an actuator movable independently of the spindle and the sleeve, and a bolt slidably supported by the actuator, for connecting the sleeve and the spindle with said actuator.

26. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, a spindle extending through the switching element, the two being capable of independent movement, a sleeveloose on the spindle, having an actuating connection with said switching element, the sleeve and the spindle being slotted, an actuator pivotally connected w1th the spindle, and a. bolt slidable on the actuator to enter the slot of the sleeve and also the slot of the spindle.

27. A switch comprising a plurality of switching elements, a, spindle extending through the switching elements, means for causing one of the switching elements to always rotate with the spindle, an actuator, and means for connecting and disconnecting the other switching elements with said actuator.

28. A switch comprising at least three switching elements, a spindle extending through the switching elements, means whereby the middle switching element will be always caused to turn with the spindle, sleeves loose on the spindle and connected with the outer switching elements to efi'ect turning thereof, an actuator, and means for connecting both sleeves and the spindle or disconnecting them all from said actuator.

29. A switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, a spindle movable independently of the switching element, a sleeve loose on the spindle and having an actuating connection with said switching element, an actuator movable relatively to the sleeve and the spindle, and a bolt slidabiy supported by the actuator, to connect the sleeve and the spindle with said actuator.

30. A switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, a. spindle movable independently of the switching element, a sleeve loose on the spindle and having an actuating connection with said switching element, an actuator movable relatively to the sleeve and the spindle, and a bolt slidably supported by the actuator, to connect the sleeve and the spindle with said actuator, the actuator having notches and the bolt having a spring portion to interchangeably enter said notches.

31. An electric switch comprising a box, a switching element in the box, an actuator for the switching element, the actuator being movable independently of the switching element and also independently of the box, and means also independent of the box, for connecting the switching element to or disconnecting it from said actuator, whereby said actuator and connecting means can be either or both operated without manipulation of the box.

32. An electric switch comprising at least three switching elements movable between circuit closing and circuit opening positions, one of said switching elements being intermediate the others, and means for positively causing the movement of at least one of the outer switching elements from circuit closing to circuit opening position on corresponding movement of the intermediate switching element.

83. An electric switch comprising at least three switching elements, an actuator, means for connecting said actuator to one or more of the switching elements, said means being arranged so that the intermediate switching element can never be operated by the actuator alone.

El-l; A. switching element of approximately disk form having a curved slot opening into the periphery thereof and extending to practicall y the center thereof.

An electric switch comprising a base block, a combined connector and contactor mounted on said base block, said connector and contactor being formed up of a single piece of sheet metal and provided with a strap-like circuit connecting part at one end, and a resilient contacting portion at the other end, approximately oppositely disposed recesses in said block in which said contactor and connector are secured, and a switching element receiving cavity in said block disposed between the contacting portions of said contactor and connecting parts.

36. The combination of a box having a cover, 'a circuit opening and closing actuator accessible exteriorly of the box, fusible circuit controlling means in the box, an ac tive supply end contact in said box, means operative by said actuator when moved to circuit opening relation to render the fusible circuit controlling means electrically inactive, and when said actuator is moved to circuit closing position to render said fusible circuit controlling means electrically active, both the actuator and the cover being movable independently of each other, the actuator when in the circuit closing position preventing opening of the cover and the cover when open preventing movement of the actuator to circuit closing position and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation by the opening of the cover, the active contact is protected to thus prevent accidental contact or connection therewith by the manipulator.

87. An incased fuse switch appliance comprising a box including a cover, an externally accessible actuator provided with means preventing the opening of said cover when said actuator is in its circuit closing position, circuit controlling means within the box mechanically associated with said actuator, fusible circuit controlling means also within said box and electrically connected in circuit with the supply end of the first aforesaid circuit controlling means when said last mentioned circuit controlling means is in the circuit closing position and said fusible circuit controlling means being electrically out of circuit and disconnected from the aforesaid supply end when the circuit controlling means associated with said actuator is in the open circuited position, means associated with said cover whereby it tion from the aforesaid supply end contact and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation by the opening of the cover the electrically alive portion' of the circuit connections is protected to thus prevent accidental contact or connection therewith by the manipulator.

38. An incased fused switch appliance comprising a box including a cover, an externally accessible actuator provided with means preventing the opening of said. cover when said actuator is in its circuit closing position, circuit controlling means within the box mechanically associated with said actuator, fusible circuit controlling means also within said box and electrically connected in circuit with the supply end of the first aforesaid circuit controlling means when said last mentioned circuit controlling means is in the circuit closing position, and said fusible circuit controlling means being electrically out of circuit and disconnected from the aforesaid supply end when the circuit controlling means associated with said actuator are in the open circuited position, means associated with said cover whereby it may be opened when the actuator and its associated circuit controlling means are in the open circuited position to permit access to and manipulation of said fusible circuit controlling means when in such disconnection from aforesaid supply end, and to prevent the movement of the actuator and its mechanically associated circuit controlling means to circuit closing position so long as said cover is open and said fusible circuit controlling means are accessible and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation by the opening of said cover, the supply end is protected to thus prevent accidental contact or 60111100,- tion therewith by the manipulator.

39. An incased fused switch appliance comprising a box, stationary supply-end and load-end contacts in said box, a switching member mo able to circuit closing and circuit opening positions between said contacts, a fusible circuit controlling means adapted to be electrically connected in circuit between the aforesaid supply and load end contacts when said switching member is in the circuit closing position between said contacts, a cover when closed preventing access to the said fusible circuit controlling means, anxactuator accessible exteriorly of said box and cover and movable independently Cir Cir

of said cover, said actuator being mechanically associated with the switching member within the box and operative to move said switching member to circuit opening or circuit closing positions, means operative between said cover and said actuator to normally prevent the opening of said cover when said actuator is in the circuit closing position and to permit the opening of said cover when said actuator is in the circuit opening position for thus permitting access to the fusible circuit controlling means only when said switching member has been moved by its associated actuator to the circuit opening position and to insure the disconnection of said fusible circuit controlling means from the supply end contacts when it is made accessible by the opening of said cover and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation by the opening of said cover the supply end contact is protected to "thus prevent accidental contact or connection therewith by the manipulator, the fusible circuit controlling means and means mechanically associated with said actuator for electrically connecting said fusible circuit controlling means being all supported in the body of the box and independently of'the cover.

40. In an electric circuit controlling appliance, a box including a cover, fusible circuit controlling means within said box and inaccessible when said cover is closed, said fusible circuit controlling means and said cover being independent of each other at all times, means accessible from the exterior of the box and in cooperative relation with said cover whereby said cover is normally closed so long as said fusible circuit controlling means is actively connected with the source of current supply and for normally insuring the disconnection of said fusible circuit con trolling means before said cover can be opened to give access to said means, said cover and the exteriorly accessible means associable therewith being movable independently of each other and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation the manipulator is protected from accidental contact or connection with the source of current supply.

all. An incased fused switch appliance comprising a box provided with a cover, fusible circuit-controlling means within said box, supply and load end contacts within said box, an externally-accessible actuator, means within said box and mechanically associated with said actuator to electrically connect said fusible circuit controlling means to close the circuit between said supply and load contacts or to be electrically disconnected from said supply end contact, said fusible circuit controlling means being accessible when said cover is open, means between said cover and said actuator to normally prevent the opening of said cover while said fusible circuit controlling means is electrically connected with said supply end contact and to insure the closing of said cover when said fusible circuit controlling means is connected with said supply end contact, said fusible circuit controlling means being independent of said cover and said cover and said actuator each being movable independently of the other and means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation the supply end con tact is protected to thus prevent accidental contact or connection therewith by the manipulator.

as. In an electric circuit controlling appliance, a box provided with a cover, supply and load end contacts within said box, fusible circuit controlling means also within the box, an externally accessible actuator, means within said box and mechanically associated with said actuator to electrically connect said fusible circuit controlling means to close the circuit between said supply and load end contacts or to electrically disconnect it from said supply end contact, means operated between the cover and the actuator to normally prevent the opening of said cover while said fusible circuit controlling means is electrically connected with said supply end contact and to permit the opening of said cover when said fusible circuit controlling means is electrically disconnected from said Contact, means within the box whereby when said fusible circuit controlling means has been made accessible for manipulation, the supply end contact is protected for thus preventing accidental contact or connection therewith by the manipulator, said contacts, fusible circuit controlling means and means mechanically associated with said actuator for electrically connecting said fusible circuit controlling means being all supported in the body of the box independently of said cover.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH SACHS.

\Vitnesses i L L. Marxian, Hna'rii SUTI-IERLAND.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, I). C. 

